Qur'an

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. If I have my period, is it possible to read the Qur’an without touching the mushaf (book)? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Dear Sir, I received the last answer to my question and was quite impressed. Thank you for providing such good information. Now, I will dare to ask another question. I know that without faith, knowledge is useless. I know that knowledge of the word of God that greatly proves and justifies one's faith and provides a firm foundation for worship. I have deeply desired to read the Islamic Toret, simply because I believe that it is the foundation for all other books. Yet, I do not know if I am qualified to see it or not.I have studied the Christian Torah for about 10 years. Therefore, I would find it a great honor to read this book. Please forgive my silliness and understand my desire to know more. I appreciate your help. Allah Hafiz.

I memorized 20 Paraah’s or Juz’ of the Qur’an. However, I left memorizing it. Some one told me that I have to memorize all what I have forgotten or I will go to Hell. Please help me. I am so busy and don’t have time to memorize. Is what the man told me concerning going to Hell true or false?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Ramadan is the month of the revelation of the Qur’an. Are there some tips you can suggest to help us benefit from our reading of the Qur’an? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am 18 years old now. When I was only 10, I was reciting the Qur'an once and then got up to offer salah (ritual Prayer), so I quickly went and put the Qur'an on top of a box inside the cupboard. After I finished my Prayer, I realized that the Qur’an had dropped to the floor. I asked my Lord for forgiveness and I still ask His forgiveness after every salah that I offer. Still, I am not at peace and want to offer my repentance once and for all! What should I do? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Does reciting Surat Al-Muzzamil at Fajr help with sickness? If so, what is the proof? Are there any du`a' (supplications) that we can recite if children are sick? Does reciting Surat Al-Inshiqaq and then blowing on a child help with asthma?

Some people claim that they can cure the sick by using the jinn and reciting the Qur'an over water or some drink or even over some instruments such as knives. What is Islam’s point of view regarding this?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I was a Christian before, and now I am confused about the definition of the Holy Spirit. What is the Holy Spirit according to Islam? I would like to know the meaning of the Holy Spirit specifically in surat al-Ma'idah (5: 110). Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum! Could you please shed more light on the meaning of the verse mentioned in Surat Ash-Sharh regarding the hardships that a Muslim faces in his life, and whether the verse is meant for all Muslims in general or only for Muslims who commit certain sins?

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Could I please get some clarification on the practice of khatm, which involves gathering people together to read the entire Qur’an and make du`a’ (supplication) in the presence of a religious or pious pers on such as a hafiz (one who has memorized the Qur’an) with the belief that his presence might bring greater barakah (spiritual grace) to the gathering or believing that the du`a’ thus made will be more likely be carried by the angels and accepted by Allah. To my understanding, there is nothing wrong in a gathering where the Qur’an is recited; this is a good thing which, I understand, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recommended and encouraged. However, the idea that having a pious person who has great Islamic knowledge present to bring greater barakah—is it bid`ah (innovation) and maybe a form of shirk, as it suggests that this person’s presence might bring us closer to Allah or may bring greater blessings from Him? Also, could I get clarification about the practice of gathering for khatm, where after having read the Qur’an and offering a du`a’ for the deceased, they offer food and people eat the same while believing that such food has been blessed. Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. May Allah reward you all with best of reward on helping us understanding our religion better by clarifying issues for us. My question this time is: Is a non-Muslim allowed to touch the Qur'an? I am asking this, because once I was reading the Qur'an in the class and my teacher was curious about it, and she put her fingers on the page I was reading, it wasn't a translated text of the Qur'an, I didn't want to yell at her or even tell her in a nice way "you can't touch this book, because you are not a Muslim". I was afraid at the time that doing so will make the picture of Islam more worse to her, at the same time I didn't feel right to the way I behaved to the situation!Usually, when we make Da`wah, we give the non-Muslim a copy of the Qur'an, and I know usually it is the translation even though he/she could put his/her fingers on the Arabic scripture!. What about a non-Muslim Arab who doesn't need the translation to understand the Qur'an? Can you explain to me what is the right tafsir for this verse: "In a Book well-guarded, Which non shall touch. But those who are clean. A Revelation from the Lord. Of the Worlds." (Al-Waqi`ah:78-80)Would you please enlighten me more regarding this issue?

Dear Sheikh, as-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh. Could you, please, furnish me with what the Qur'an says about the phenomenon of sexual deviance?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it OK to try to memorize the Holy Qur'an by reading its transliteration in the Latin alphabet? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum wa Ramatullah wa Barakatuh! I have a question relating to the credibility of the first source of Shari`ah, the Qur'an. How can you refute the claim spread by non-Muslims that the Qur'anic law was compiled from the previous scriptures? Jazakum Allah Khairan!

Dear brothers, as-Salamu `alaykum. Does reading the Qur’an help in curing illness?

What is meant by “women past childbearing” mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. My question is that I have heard that the Qur’an was written down or compiled ten years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Is it true?This question was addressed to me by one of my Christian classmates, and he said that if the Qur’an was not written at the time of Prophet Muhammad, then how is that you believe that it is the true word of God, because it was sent to Prophet Muhammad but when it was compiled he was not there, so how do Muslims believe in it.I told him that the Companions of Prophet Muhammad memorized the Qur’an during his lifetime and then compiled it. But he needed more details and proof. Now my question here is, can you provide me with a good proof and explanation so I can explain the issue to him in a better way? I will be really thankful. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected Sheikhs, As-Salamu `alaykum. Why is Allah referred to in the Qur'an by the masculine pronoun, "He", when Allah is neither man nor woman? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh! As-Salam `Alaykum. Jews have played a considerable role throughout the history, before and after the advent of Islam. The Qur’an referred to them in many places. What, according to the Qur’an, are the main characteristics and qualities of Jews?

Is it bid`ah (innovation) to kiss the Glorious Qur'an when opening and closing it?

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. I am trying to learn more about Islam and would like to know whether, according to Sunni Islam, it is permitted for people who must not touch the Qur’an, e.g. non-Muslims, to read it in their minds without pronouncing it and listening to it. As for wet food, does it become forbidden to be eaten if touched by a something impure (a leather jacket, skin of a non-Muslim etc.)? I hope that you can help me. I thank you with all my heart.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a question for you that may seem blasphemous. Nevertheless, I have to ask it. I was born into and grew up in a very happy Muslim family. I went to school and accepted pretty much everything I was taught. However, over the past few years I have been questioning whether Islam is a true faith or simply just my inherited faith. I have been reading about many religions, not to convert but simply to understand and learn. While researching religion, I have been reading the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.Now here is the potentially blasphemous part. I am wondering if parts of the Qur’an were not written by Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) himself. I notice that on a few occasions when something was worrying him personally, a verse was revealed in his favor. For example: “O ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses--until leave is given you--for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation; but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behavior) annoys the Prophet; he is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah's Messenger, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah's sight an enormity.” (Al-Ahzab: 53)To me, this looks very personal to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It does not look like a universal message for millions of generations to come. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) didn't want guests that lingered and didn't want men to marry his wives—which is a trait of many possessive husbands—so a verse stating his wants was revealed.I seek refuge in Allah if I am wrong, but I fear that this may be the case. Please keep an open mind and answer this from your heart, that is, what you really think, not the standard Islamic rhetoric. Thanks for your efforts.

As-Salamu `alaykum, Sheikh! Would you please clarify to me the real stance of religious human rights in the Qur’an as I am preparing a paper on the issue and I want to see your personal opinion or that you deem right regarding this very issue? May Allah bless you all!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. My grandmother reads the Qur’an together with the imam when he reads the Qur’an in Tarawih (supererogatory night prayer in Ramadan) on TV. Is it permissible to do so? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am a new convert to Islam and have a question about a certain practice I have observed regarding death. Female family members and friends get together and recite surat Yasin and pray other various prayers together. They keep praying and counting until they reach their target, then they eat (sometimes). I have heard that this is an innovation and not a proper practice. Please advise me with reference to hadith.

Is a Muslim allowed to donate a Qu’ran to a public library? As a part of my da`wah activities, I would like to give copies of the Qur'an with English translation and commentary to my local library. I think this would be a perfect way to get non-Muslims to read the Qur'an, and with that they will be inspired by it and want to learn more about Islam. Maybe it would even bring them to Islam.But I do have concerns. I know that the Qur'an is an honored book, so I don't know if it is even allowed for me to put a Qur'an in the library where it is likely to be treated as any other reading book, getting wear and tear and not respected. If you don't agree, then please provide me with authentic evidence that says I can't, as that is important to me.

In Surat An-Nisaa’ verse 34 it says (in the way I understand it) that men can discipline their wives for moral and other things too. Exactly for what can he do that and why can’t the wife discipline him in other matters? Does this mean that women are less moral than men? And for what does the women have the last word at home? I also understand that the man can hit his wife when it is a matter of nushuz (recalcitrance). If he does then it should be slightly and not with the intention to harm her, also not on the face! Can you correct me if I am wrong and please shed light on the issue raised in the question? Thank you for your time.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Which is better in Almighty Allah’s sight: reciting the Qur’an silently or aloud? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholar! I have heard that there are some repetitions in the Qur’an. To come clear, some non-Muslims claim that the Qur’an repeats some verses even without any significance as is the case in Sura Ar-Rahman. Please comment!

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. My question is: in surat Al `Imran Allah says that He sent down the Book and some of its verses are clear while others are allegorical. What is the meaning of the verse 7 in surat Al `Imran?

3- I would like to know the correct understanding of a certain Qur’anic verses in Surat Al-Ma’dah in which Allah Almighty says: “To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute.” (Al-Ma’idah : 48)

As-salamu `alaykum. Can I give the Qur’an as a gift to someone? If that person does not read it will I still get a reward?

As-Salamu `alaykum. Can you tell me the reward for learning and memorizing the Qur’an?

Is it not a factor of the disintegration of the Muslim Ummah that there are deep differences in opinion among the Muslims though they believe in one God, follow one Prophet and have one heavenly Book (the Qur’an)?My question revolves around Allah’s Book. The Salafis, an influential sect among Muslims, adopt the view that the Shiites are apostates, claiming that the Shiites do not believe in the Qur’an that the Sunnis believe in. According to the Salafis, the Shiites’ claim that they believe in the Qur’an is a kind of taqiyyah (professing a certain belief to ward off the wrath of the authority). I argue that the Shiites no longer need to practice taqiyyah. Why they should do so when they have a state under their authority and can protect themselves? Moreover, they declare whatever opinions they hold even if these opinions anger the Salafis and Sunnis. Besides, if they have a Qur’an other than that which the Sunnis believe in, why is there no copy that is different from the Qur’an that is compiled and agreed upon all over the world? Above all, does not Almighty Allah say, and most truthful are His words: ‘‘We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)’’ (Al-Hijr: 9)?Would the claim that the Shiite sect has another Qur’an not contradi ct the meaning of this verse? How would the Qur’an be guarded against corruption if there is another version of it? I also wonder if the Shiites do not really believe in the Qur’an, why some eminent scholars have tried to bring the views of the Shiites and Sunnis close together? On what bases and for what reasons would this closeness be founded?However, there are some controversial questions that a fellow Muslim has raised in this regard. In fact, this fellow seems to be concerned with proving that the Shiites do not believe in the Qur’an. He argues thus:The Imamite Shiites are unanimous that they all believe in the authenticity of the Qur’an without denial of even a letter of it. We have no alternative but to believe what they say in this regard, but some questions are raised that cast doubt about their truthfulness in this respect. We are almost sure that their saying so is but a matter of taqiyyah I wish we may be wrong in this belief, but the points that make us doubt their truthfulness are worthy of consideration, and I hope they have answers for them. These points can be summed up as follows.First, the majority of the early Shiite scholars were reported to have declared that the Qur’an is incomplete. The Shiites tried to claim that the incompleteness meant here has to do with the interpretation of the Qur’an, not with the Qur’an itself, but the words their imams were quoted to have said in this respect do not support this claim.Second, one of their eminent scholars wrote a book in which he tried to prove that the Qur’an has been altered, and he cited more than 1,200 hadiths to assert this claim.Third, the Shiite scholar Al-Jazairi said point blank that the belief that the Qur’an has not been altered contradicts the hadiths whose various chains of narrators lift them to the degree of authenticity, and all these hadiths indicate the alteration of the Qur’an.Fourth, the Shiites accuse the Sunnis of altering the Qur’an, too. I read what one of their scholars wrote on this. According to this scholar, the Shiites tried to prove that the Sunnis’ compilation of the Qur’an was incorrect, and, moreover, reported the Sunnis as saying that the Qur’an is incomplete. I have disregarded their, for it is groundless. It is widely known that the Sunni scholars’ belief in the completeness of the Qur’an and the authenticity of its compilation are beyond doubt.This Shiite attitude raises a very serious question: If the Sunnis have altered the Qur’an, as they say, why do they declare that they unanimously believe in this Qur’an?The Shiites either lie about their accusing the Sunnis of altering the Qur’an, or they lie about their belief in it. I wonder which of these attitudes they really follow.This fellow’s argument may be somewhat controversial, but, in my opinion, the question he has raised really needs a detailed and clear answer.I know my question is long, and I am sorry for this. But I am really concerned about this issue and I hope you may provide me with a clear answer that will help me form my opinion in this respect, which, I believe, I will be brought to account for before Almighty Allah.I consider this issue serious, especially as I heard that a Muslim who calls another Muslim an apostate has become an apostate himself, and a Muslim who calls a person whose disbelief is clear a Muslim has also become an apostate.

My Sheikh! As-Salaam `Alaykum! In a discussion with my non-Muslim friend, he raised a very important point which I could not answer. He asked: “If the Qur’an is the final testament of God, then it should include perfect guidance.” I nodded, yes. He continued: “Does the Qur’an contain reference to modern scientific discoveries?” Please help! Jazakum Allah Khairan!

bid`ah?

As-Salamu `Alaykum. If some one had an oath on Qur’an and broke his oath, how can he make his Kaffarah? 

As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the reality of the mathematical code 19 which they say it proves that the QUR’AN is a miracle?

Dear scholar, as-Salamu `alaykum! Could you explain why surat At-Tawbah does not start with the Basmallah ?

Dear scholars, Living in a world of theories and various explanations of every field of human activity, one may ask: “Where is Islam in all this?” I cannot find anything about the Qur’anic approach to history. What does Islam have to say on history? What is the concept of history in the Qur’an?

Dear Muslim scholars, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh. Is covering the `Awrah necessary when one is reading the Glorious Qur’an. Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Are there words of non-Arabic origin in the Qur’an? Can you tell me which words? I would be very thankfully for your help and may Allah give you reward for it!

As-Salamu `alaykum. Does one need to have wudu' in order to read or handle a book containing a couple of surahs such as surat Yasin? Is this the same as one who handles the Qur’an?

Some people are trying to spread words against Qur'an. They say, "Muslims don't have the same Qur'an as was at the time of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)." They say, "Muslims have lost some parts of the Qur'an." Although they don't call themselves Shi`ah who believe, on the basis of a Hadith, that "There were originally 40 Juz' (parts) in the Qur'an, but now we are left with only 30 Juz'."; yet they believe the same. Before I could ask you questions, my view is that whoever says that some part of the Qur'an has been lost, says directly or indirectly that "Allah is lying" in Qur'an, when He says: "We, have without doubt sent down the Message and We Assuredly Guard it." (Al-Hijr: 9) "It is for Us to Collect (Compile) it a and to Recite it." (Al-Qiyama: 17) "There is No Doubt in it." (Al-Baqara: 2) QUESTION-1: Should these people (who indirectly say Allah is lying) be called Muslims? QUESTION-2: Should we believe such a Hadith as true which says that Muslims have lost a part of the Qur'an? QUESTIONS-3: If that Hadith is in a book that is written by a Muslim scholar, should we rely on such book? QUESTION-4: Should we listen to such scholar?

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. I want to ask about the Hadith which states: “Who reads Surat al-Waqi`ah every night will never be poor.” Is this an authentic (Saheeh) Hadith? Jazakum Allah khayran.

I heard that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that in order for the Qur’an to say on the Day of Judgment that I have not abandoned it, I must have finished reading all of it at least once a month. Is that true? Also, when reading, do I have to read with tajweed or can I read normally like reading a magazine? My Arabic is poor, and reading with tajweed takes a long time. I would appreciate a brief answer.

As-Salamu `alaykum! I want to know the meaning of the disjointed letters in the Qur’an such as “Alif Lam Mim”.

The Qur'an was revealed in the form of separate verses upon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It was only at the time of the Caliph `Uthman Ibn `Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Qur'an was collected in the order it is today. Can you please elaborate on who decided the current order of the Qur'an (I mean the order of the verses and the surahs (chapters) in the present form)? Can you also mention how it was all done? May Allah reward you for the service you are providing!

As-Salamu `alaykum. I am one of those unlucky men who did not read the Holy Qur'an. In fact, when I was young I read perhaps three surahs and after that I don't know what happened. My family is in Lahore where all my children have read the Qur'an. My question is whether I can read the Holy Qur'an in English or not. Please let me have your worthy opinion.

As-salamu `alaykum. Is it OK to recite the Qur’an without knowing the rules of tajwid? Thank you.

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. Are there times in the day one should not recite Qur’an, just as there are times one should not offer optional Salah (prayer)?

Dear sir, I have a question to ask: Why didn't Allah choose to preserve the earlier messages (Torah, Gospel, etc.) the way He took upon Himself the task of preserving the accuracy and authenticity of Qur'an?

Dear Scholar, as-salamu `alaykum.thank you for your time and the efforts you devote to Allah's Cause and spreading His Word everywhere. I would like to know the best way by which one should welcome Ramadan and get its blessed rewards. Jazakum Allah Khayran.